Opening of Apresenta Summit 2025 crowns Rio as a powerhouse of major events

Opening of Apresenta Summit 2025 reinforces Rio as a national powerhouse of major events and gathers leaders in entertainment and tourism.

Opening brings together authorities and industry leaders

November 2025 – Rio de Janeiro – The opening of the Apresenta Summit 2025, held on Monday morning (11/24) at the Fairmont Copacabana, officially launched the event that brings together leaders from entertainment, culture, sports and tourism in Rio de Janeiro.

In the welcome session of the second edition, hosted by Thierry Figueira, Apresenta’s CEO Pedro Guimarães invited Association members to the stage. Bernardo Amaral, vice-president and partner-director of Qualistage, recalled the foundation of the entity by Claudio Rocha Moreira Filho, which today brings together more than 170 members.

“The Summit was created to discuss the sector and foster connections. It had to be in Rio, the capital of Carnival, Rock in Rio and the world’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebration,” he said.

Connections and strengthening of the sector

Roberta Kelab, CEO of Backstage/Festival Vale do Café, thanked attendees. Eduardo Secco, CEO of New Quality, praised the event’s organization and highlighted the challenge of producing an event for the event industry itself.

Pedro Guimarães emphasized the economic strength of the entertainment industry, recalled the pandemic’s impact and defended incentive laws and the PERSE program.

History of events in Rio

Journalist and historian Thiago Gomide, from O Globo and CBN, entertained the audience with a historical overview of major events in Rio from colonial times to today.

Authorities reinforce strategic role of the industry

The ceremony included authorities such as Nilo Sérgio Felix, Marcelo Monfort, Daniela Maia, Josier Vilar, Robson Carneiro, Otávio Leite, Mauro Varejão, and representatives from Apresenta, Abrape and Fairmont.

Otávio Leite stressed that “culture plus sports plus events equals tourism with a capital ‘T’”.

Bernardo Fellows represented the City Hall and highlighted the entertainment industry’s role in strengthening Rio’s creative economy.

Josier Vilar recalled the legacy of Barão de Mauá. Robson Carneiro emphasized the importance of professional training. Mauro Varejão reinforced events as a strategic engine for the State’s development.

Debates and thematic panels

Pedro Guimarães opened the panel Tourism – The importance of events as agents of tourism promotion. Secretary Daniela Maia highlighted the success of the Madonna project and the government program Todo mundo no Rio.

Nilo Sérgio discussed tax free for foreign tourists. Monfort highlighted annual investments of up to R$ 500 million in the events sector.

Cristiano Botinha reinforced Abrape’s partnership with Apresenta to strengthen the production chain.

Programming with major entertainment names

The Apresenta Summit 2025 gathers professionals such as Alexandre Accioly, Bernardo Amaral, Adriana Samuel, Leo Jaime, Duda Magalhães, Luiz Calainho, Rafael Lazarini, Roberta Kelab, Luis Justo and Pretinho da Serrinha, who will be honored at the closing session.

With three thematic rooms — Apresenta, Conecta and Inspira — the event promotes panels, talks, networking and immersive experiences on tourism, economy, sports, shows, ESG, media and legislation.

Homages and legacy

The Apresenta Room will inaugurate the gallery of honorees recognizing Abel Gomes, Nelson Drucker, Ricardo Amaral and Roberto Medina.

Industry in expansion

The entertainment industry remains on the rise. According to Abrape, it generated R$ 68 billion between January and June 2025, the highest figure since 2019.

Brazil has about 600,000 companies in the events sector, generating 5.5 million jobs. In Rio, the industry includes 1.3 million professionals, R$ 20 billion in wages and R$ 10 billion in local taxes.

About Apresenta

Founded in 2018, the Association of Entertainment Event Promoters brings together more than 160 companies. It strengthens the entertainment economy by connecting brands, producers, authorities and the creative ecosystem through initiatives such as the Apresenta Summit.

Photos: Apresenta Summit | Jabuticaba Casa Criativa